Honourable senators, I rise today on behalf of the Government Representative in the Senate, the Leader of the Opposition, the leader of the Canadian Senators Group, the leader of the Progressive Senate Group and as Independent Senators Group facilitator. Allow me to thank the Conservative caucus and, in particular, Senator Mockler for providing me with this time to speak.

On Tuesday morning, while inside the Sir John A. Macdonald Building with other parliamentarians and dignitaries waiting to pay tribute to Canada’s eighteenth Prime Minister, the late Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, an individual collapsed. It became immediately clear to those nearby that this person, a former parliamentarian, required emergency medical attention.

A page noted that a doctor was needed, and one in particular was quick to respond to the call. The scene before them was as follows: An individual was unconscious on the ground. Parliamentary Protective Service personnel were attending to the situation and commenced performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR.

Shortly after assessing the situation, the doctor assisted and intervened, noting after the third cycle of CPR that the patient had become responsive but had a very “thready” pulse. This is a pulse that is weak or one that is difficult to feel. Our parliamentary colleague managed to keep the patient stable until the paramedics had arrived and could take over his care, which was revealed to be a serious cardiac event.

The doctor in question was our colleague the Honourable Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia.

On behalf of all Senate group leaders — and by extension all senators — we commend Senator Ravalia for his heroism, springing into action with only a moment’s notice.

Your grace, courage and professionalism under these unforeseen circumstances are admirable and immensely appreciated. We are all proud of you, Senator Ravalia. Thank you. Meegwetch.